The Gibson SG is a popular electric guitar model that has been around since 1961. It has been used by countless musicians across many genres, from rock to blues to metal. But what does SG actually stand for? There are a few different theories out there, and we’ll explore them in this article.
One theory is that SG stands for “solid guitar.” This makes sense, as the SG is a solid-body electric guitar, which means that the body is made from a single piece of wood. Another theory is that SG stands for “Les Paul Standard Guitar,” as the SG was initially designed as a replacement for the Les Paul model. However, this theory has been debunked by Gibson themselves, who have stated that SG does not stand for Les Paul. So, what is the true meaning of SG? Let’s find out.
Gibson SG: An Overview
The Gibson SG is a solid-body electric guitar model that has been in production since 1961. The SG stands for “Solid Guitar,” and it was originally designed as a replacement for the Les Paul model.
The SG features a thinner, more contoured body with a double cutaway, making it easier for guitarists to reach the higher frets. The guitar also has a slim, fast neck, which makes it ideal for playing lead guitar.
Over the years, the SG has become a favorite among rock guitarists, and it has been used by such legendary musicians as Angus Young of AC/DC, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Pete Townshend of The Who.
The SG is available in many variations of the initial design, including the SG Standard, SG Special, and SG Junior. Each model has its own unique features and specifications, making it easy for guitarists to find the perfect SG for their needs.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the Gibson SG is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality electric guitar that delivers great tone and playability. With its iconic design and rich history, the SG is sure to remain a popular choice among guitarists for years to come.
The Meaning of ‘SG’
The abbreviation ‘SG’ in Gibson SG stands for “Solid Guitar.” This term refers to the fact that the guitar has a solid body construction, as opposed to a hollow or semi-hollow body.
The Gibson SG was first introduced in 1961 as a replacement for the Les Paul model, which had been discontinued at the time. The SG was designed to be a more modern and streamlined version of the Les Paul, with a thinner and more contoured body shape that allowed for better upper-fret access.
Despite its initial popularity, the SG has gone through several changes over the years, with different variations of the model being introduced and discontinued. However, the SG Standard remains Gibson’s best-selling model of all time.
the ‘SG’ in Gibson SG stands for a solid-body electric guitar that has become a classic in the world of rock and roll. Its distinctive design and sound have made it a favorite among guitarists for over six decades.
History of the Gibson SG
The Gibson SG was first introduced in 1961 as a radical departure from the Les Paul model. The design was given a thinner, more contoured body with a double cutaway, making the upper frets more accessible. The neck joint was also moved outwards by three frets, further easing access to the upper frets.
The SG was originally intended to replace the Les Paul model, which had been experiencing declining sales. However, Les Paul himself was not happy with the new design and asked that his name be removed from the guitar. This led to the SG being marketed as its own model, rather than a variation of the Les Paul.
The SG quickly gained popularity among guitarists, particularly in the rock and metal genres. Its lightweight body and fast neck made it a favorite among players who valued speed and agility. Some of the most famous SG players include Angus Young of AC/DC, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Frank Zappa.
Over the years, the SG has undergone several changes and variations. In the 1970s, the SG was briefly renamed the “SG Standard” and given a larger pickguard. In the 1980s, Gibson introduced the “SG Special” and “SG Standard Reissue” models. Today, the SG remains a popular guitar model, known for its distinctive sound and iconic design.
Notable Features of the Gibson SG
The Gibson SG is a solid-body electric guitar that has been popular with musicians since its introduction in 1961. Here are some notable features that make the SG stand out:
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Double cutaway design: The SG features a double cutaway design that makes it easier to access the upper frets. This design was a departure from the single cutaway design of the Les Paul, which the SG replaced in Gibson’s lineup.
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Thin, contoured body: The SG has a thinner, more contoured body than the Les Paul, which makes it lighter and more comfortable to play for extended periods.
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Mahogany body and neck: The SG’s body and neck are made from mahogany, which is known for its warm, rich tone and sustain.
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Slim-taper neck profile: The SG has a slim-taper neck profile that makes it easier to play fast, complex passages.
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Tune-o-matic bridge: The SG features a tune-o-matic bridge, which allows for precise intonation and makes it easy to adjust the action of the strings.
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Humbucker pickups: The SG typically comes equipped with humbucker pickups, which produce a thick, powerful tone that is well-suited for rock and metal styles.
the Gibson SG is a versatile and reliable guitar that has been used by countless musicians over the years. Its unique design and features make it a standout instrument in the world of electric guitars.
Famous Gibson SG Users
The Gibson SG has been played by some of the most iconic guitarists in history. Here are just a few examples of famous musicians who have used this legendary guitar:
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Angus Young: The lead guitarist of AC/DC is perhaps the most well-known SG player of all time. Young has been using the SG since the early days of AC/DC, and his signature model is still a popular choice for guitarists around the world.
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Tony Iommi: The founder and lead guitarist of Black Sabbath is another legendary SG user. Iommi’s use of the SG helped define the sound of heavy metal, and his influence can still be heard in countless metal bands today.
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Frank Zappa: The avant-garde musician and composer was a big fan of the SG, and used it extensively throughout his career. Zappa’s unconventional playing style and experimental approach to music made him a perfect fit for the SG’s unique sound.
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Derek Trucks: The slide guitar virtuoso has been using the SG for years, and his soulful playing style is a perfect match for the guitar’s warm, rich tone.
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Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The pioneering gospel singer and guitarist was one of the first female guitarists to achieve mainstream success, and she did it all with an SG in her hands. Tharpe’s use of the SG helped pave the way for future generations of female guitarists.
These are just a few examples of the many famous musicians who have used the Gibson SG over the years. Whether you’re a fan of rock, metal, blues, or any other genre of music, the SG’s versatile sound and iconic design make it a perfect choice for any guitarist.
Variations of the Gibson SG
At the launch of the SG in 1961, Gibson offered four variants of the SG: the SG Junior, the SG Special, the SG Standard, and the top-of-the-line SG Custom. Each model had its own unique features and specifications.
- SG Junior: A stripped-down version of the standard, analogous to the Les Paul Junior. It had a single P-90 pickup, a wraparound tailpiece, and a thinner mahogany body.
- SG Special: Similar to the SG Junior, but with two P-90 pickups and a bound fretboard.
- SG Standard: The most popular model of the SG range. It had two humbucker pickups, a bound fretboard, and a stopbar tailpiece.
- SG Custom: The most expensive and luxurious model of the SG range. It had three humbucker pickups, an ebony fretboard with block inlays, and gold hardware.
Over the years, Gibson has made various changes and updates to the SG models, but the SG Standard and the SG Special remain the core variants as of 2021. Here are some of the variations that Gibson has produced:
- SG Faded: A more affordable version of the SG Standard with a satin finish and no binding.
- SG Classic: A reissue of the 1960s SG with P-90 pickups and a Vibrola tailpiece.
- SG Special Faded: A more affordable version of the SG Special with a satin finish and no binding.
- SG Deluxe: A variant of the SG Standard with mini humbucker pickups and a vibrato tailpiece.
- SG Tribute: A more affordable version of the SG Standard with a satin finish and no binding.
- SG Modern: A modernized version of the SG Standard with a contoured body, coil-tapping pickups, and a slim-taper neck.
the Gibson SG has proven to be a versatile and popular guitar model, with variations to suit different playing styles and budgets.
Impact of the Gibson SG on Music Industry
The Gibson SG has had a significant impact on the music industry since its introduction in 1961. It quickly became a favorite of many guitarists due to its lightweight body, comfortable design, and versatile sound. Here are some of the ways the Gibson SG has influenced the music industry:
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Rock music: The Gibson SG’s distinctive sound has played a significant role in shaping the sound of rock music. It has been used by some of the most iconic rock guitarists of all time, including Angus Young of AC/DC, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Pete Townshend of The Who. The SG’s unique sound, which is characterized by its bright and punchy tone, is perfect for the heavy riffs and power chords that are the hallmark of rock music.
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Heavy metal: The Gibson SG has been a staple of heavy metal music since the genre’s inception in the late 1960s. The SG’s aggressive sound and fast playability make it an ideal guitar for heavy metal guitarists. It has been used by some of the biggest names in metal, including James Hetfield of Metallica, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society.
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Blues: The Gibson SG’s warm, rich tone has made it a popular choice among blues guitarists. Its ability to produce both clean and distorted sounds makes it a versatile guitar for blues players. Some of the most famous blues guitarists to use the SG include Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, and Duane Allman.
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Pop and alternative music: While the Gibson SG is primarily associated with rock and metal music, it has also been used in pop and alternative music. Its bright and punchy tone makes it a great guitar for catchy pop riffs, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for alternative guitarists who want to experiment with different sounds.
the Gibson SG has had a significant impact on the music industry. Its distinctive sound and versatile design have made it a favorite of guitarists across many different genres.
Conclusion
the Gibson SG is a solid-body electric guitar model that was introduced by Gibson in 1961. The SG design was given a thinner, more contoured body with a double cutaway, making it a popular choice among rock guitarists.
The letters “SG” stand for “Solid Guitar,” which is a nod to the guitar’s solid body construction. Despite not being endorsed by Les Paul, the SG went on to become Gibson’s best-selling model of all time.
Today, the Gibson SG remains in production and has undergone many variations of the initial design. It continues to be a popular choice among guitarists of all genres and skill levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Gibson SG is a versatile and reliable guitar that is sure to impress. With its rich history and timeless design, it’s no wonder that the SG has remained a favorite among guitarists for over 60 years.
